Criminal Justice (Civil Liberties)

HCR 37 is a symbolic resolution condemning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices it claims include unlawful detentions, racial profiling, and family separations. It affirms that all people in the U.S. - regardless of immigration status - have constitutional rights and recognizes migrants' vital economic contributions, including in agriculture, healthcare, and other key sectors. The resolution does not change laws but directs Missouri’s Congressional delegation and an ICE official to receive a copy of this non-binding statement. It addresses concerns that ICE actions have caused harm, discouraged community engagement, and violated due process protections.

HB 1955 (Missouri House Bill 1955) changes how civil lawsuits against police officers for violating constitutional rights are handled. It removes qualified immunity as a defense for officers who act under color of law, requires courts to award attorney fees to winning plaintiffs, and mandates that an officer's employer must cover most legal costs (except if the officer acted in bad faith or was convicted of a crime). The law also sets a two-year deadline for filing such lawsuits. This directly affects peace officers, their employers, and individuals seeking legal remedies for alleged police misconduct.